Faqs

Kujaja Basics

How much does it cost to use the website?

The website is FREE to use for all photographers from any country.
A donation is of course very appreciated.

What are Projects?

A 'Project' varies slightly from a Competition. The difference with a project is that, on completion, it may be turned into a charity photo book. The decision to publish a book from the images entered may be decided before or after the 'Project' has finished. The final decision will be made by the Kujaja.com team. You can join a project the same as a competition when you upload an image. Projects are also free to enter. Images will be commented on and voted on the same as a competition.

We request that images entered into a 'Project' do not show a watermark and are uploaded as high resolution as possible. This is not a strict rule, but if your image is chosen to be published in a charity photobook it saves us emailing and asking for a large watermark free image.

What are Charity Photobooks?

The charity photobooks are what make Kujaja.com and its users so unique and special.

A 'Project' is announced, started, and then images are uploaded and entered (see: What are Projects). On completion it is decided if the 'Project' is suitable to be turned into a Charity Photobook by the Kujaja team and Curators. If it is deemed suitable, the project will be announced as a photobook and its accompanying charity is chosen. Images will then be selected from the entries, unrelated to scores and comments, by the Kujaja.com team.

The book is created, published, and finally sold to the public. The profits from the sales are donated to the Photobook?s chosen charity.

What are Competitions?

We hold various photography competitions for fun. The competitions vary in length. Some are weekly, some are monthly, and some, like the seasonal ones, run even longer. You can enter a competition when you upload a picture. Just click on the competition icon of choice when you upload. All competitions are free for members. For the duration of the competitions other members can vote and comment on the entries.

Every Saturday we hold a special 'themed' competition. The theme is chosen by the previous weeks 'Viewer's Choice' winner. This competition does have a twist. All votes and comments made to participating images are kept secret and will only be shown when the competition closes.

When the competition ends, awards are given out. The Curators of the competition choose their 2 favorite images. These awards are called ' Curator?s Choice Awards?. In addition to the Curator?s Choice Awards, the image with the highest score from the member votes is awarded the 'Viewer's Choice Award?. Also, a varying number of images are selected by the Curators. These we call 'Special Mention' images. Finally, one image from the competition will be chosen to be displayed in the Kujaja.com 'Gallery'.

After a competition has finished the awards and special mentions will be announced in the Kujaja Newsletter emailed to everyone. You can also click on the competition page on the website and review the award winning images and the special mentions. Just click the 'Winning Photos' tab.

What is the 'Gallery'?

The 'Gallery' is a special selection of images. It highlights the best photography at Kujaja.com.

There is pre-selection process through which your image maybe nominated. However, nominated images don't earn an automatic place in the 'Gallery'.

For further information read, 'What is the Gallery Choice award?'

Winning a place in the 'Gallery' is one of the highest accolades that you can achieve at Kujaja.com.

What is the 'Gallery Choice Award'?

The Kujaja.com team choose images for the 'Gallery'. Only the best images, ever, make it this far on Kujaja.com. Any image can win a place in the 'Gallery'. The image does not have to be entered into a competition or a project, just uploaded to Kujaja.com. A photographer can have multiple images chosen for the 'Gallery'. Winning a place in the 'Gallery' is one of the highest accolades that you can achieve at Kujaja.com.

Good Luck!

What is a Curator?

Curators are a panel of judges who select the ?Curator?s Choice? winners Kujaja.com challenges. The curators are separate from the Kujaja team. When a challenge ends, all photos submitted to the challenge are sent to the curators. The curators do not see the statistics (votes/likes/views/comments). The curators then view the collection and choose the 2 winning photos, ?First Curator?s Choice Award? and ?Second Curator?s Choice Award?.

What is a 'Curator's Choice Award'?

These are the most prestigious awards handed out in each competition; the top 2 images receive an award. These are announced in the email newsletter that is sent to everyone. These are also shown on the 'WINNING PHOTOS' page on completion of the competition

Who are the Curators?

The curators are anonymous.

Can I become a Curator?

If you think you have an eye for a good piece of photography and can write text about what makes a particular image great, then you may be one step away from becoming a curator?

If you think you have what it takes to become one, email us at support@kujaja.com and tell us why you would make a good curator.

What is a 'Viewer's Choice Award'?

The image that receives the highest public vote (score) in a competition is awarded the 'Viewer's Choice' award. This award is announced in the Kujaja Newsletter that is sent to everyone. It is also shown on the ?WINNING PHOTOS? page on completion of the competition.

What is a 'Special Mention'?

In each competition a random number of images are selected as 'Special Mention' images. These are the images that are runner-ups to the Curator?s picks. They are not selected in any order and there is no set limit on the number that can be chosen. These images are chosen by both the Curators and the Kujaja.com team.

Can Kujaja.com be viewed in different languages?

Yes. Kujaja is now translatable in 23 languages. Click on the 'Kujaja' icon at the top left corner and a drop down menu will appear with a selection of languages. Just click on your language and the website will be translated for you. You can also translate comments that people write on your image by clicking the 'Translate' button below the comment.

If you require a language that is not on the list we may be able to add it. Email support@kujaja.com and let us know.

How to I contact the Kujaja.com team?

You can use the 'TALK' page or email us at support@kujaja.com

How do I delete my account?

If you no longer want to be part of our community you must email support@kujaja.com and we will delete your account along with your personal information and the photos you?ve uploaded.

Note: If one of your images has been published in a Charity Photobook then Kujaja.com reserves the right to keep your account open so that your image remains visible on the website.

Are my images safe with Kujaja.com?

Yes. We will not share or publish your images without your consent. The site also has a very hi-tech security system that is constantly updated so your images are safe.

What is Kujaja's copyright policy?

We do not own your photos, but if you upload them they will be showed on this website in the size you have selected. If your photo is shown in the wrong size, please tell us so we can change it, but we will not be responsible for any changes that occur in that process. We will only use your photo according to the selections you?ve made during uploading. Photos uploaded for photobooks, events, competitions or blogs may be used from us in a low resolution (up to 1024px width) to make commercials for the photobook or this website. When uploading photos, you will be asked in the text if we may or may not use your photo for commercial purposes. If you prefer we did not, please choose that option.

Will Kujaja.com ever share my personal information?

No. Your personal details are kept secure and will not be shared with third parties.

Can I donate to Kujaja.com?

Yes. We welcome donations. All donations go towards the maintenance of the website.

To date we have been absorbing all of the running costs. The costs are continuously rising as the site grows bigger and bigger so we are always very grateful to receive a donation. You can donate as much or as little as you like, you can make single donations or subscribe to monthly donations through PayPal.

At the bottom of each page you will see a ?Donation? link. Click and you will be redirected to PayPal where you can chose the amount you would like to donate.

A small donation can really go a long way. Help us grow and continue to do good things through photography.

Kujaja Websites

What is street photography?

Street Photography is a photo genre that features subjects in candid situations within public spaces. The definition is not translated ?literally?. Shooting does not have to occur in an urban environment to be considered street photography. Street images show a pure vision of a situation, as if holding a mirror to society. Street photographers shoot from a point of emotionally detachment shifting their focus, instead, to context and detail. Framing and timing are key aspects of the genre. Both allow street photographers to imbed the ?human element? in their images.

What is World-Street Photography (WSP)?

WSP stands for 'World-Street Photography. WSP is a photography website dedicated to street photography. This site is owned and run by Kujaja.com. All street images uploaded to Kujaja.com are automatically shared with WSP. If you are a member of Kujaja.com you can logon to WSP with your Kujaja.com username and password. The site works exactly the same as Kujaja.com.

What is World-Landscape Photography (WLP)?

WLP stands for 'World-Landscape Photography'. It is a photography website dedicated to landscape photography. This site is owned and run by Kujaja.com. All landscape images uploaded to Kujaja.com are automatically shared with WLP. If you are a member of Kujaja.com you can logon to WLP with your Kujaja.com username and password. The site works exactly the same as Kujaja.com.

Charities

Where can I learn more about the charities Kujaja.com supports?

Click on the 'Charities' link on the main menu bar at the top of each page. Blogs are also written about the charity work. To read these, click on the 'Social' tab in the menu bar.

Who selects the charities?

The charities are chosen by the Kujaja.com community.

The Kujaja.com team is always looking for small charities to support. We welcome suggestions from the community so, if you have a suggestion, please contact: charity@kujaja.com

Note: We generally only support 'small' charities because we like to see where the money goes, something that is not possible when donating a large check to a Global Charity Organization.

How much money is donated from the sale of each Charity Photobook?

100% of the profits from the book sales go directly to the book?s chosen charity. The exact amount varies with each publication which is dependent upon the publishing/printing costs.

Can I buy a Charity Photobook?

Yes. There are links on the website that will take you to the Kujaja.com Bookstore where you can buy copies using PayPal. Some books are published through Blurb. You will be redirected on the Blurb site to the appropriate page where you can buy a copy through Kujaja.com.

Can I make a direct donation to a Kujaja.com Photobook Charity?

If you would like to make a donation to one of the charities, drop us a line at support@kujaja.com and we will arrange this for you.

Can I help the Kujaja.com team with a Project/Charity Photobook?

Yes. We love to get everyone involved in the projects. Email us at support@kujaja.com and tell us what you are good at and we will try and find you something to do.

Here are some ideas of things that you may be able to help us with: editing text, writing text, collating text and photographs, translations, graphic design work, printing, promotion, site visits to the charities, writing blogs, or anything to do with publishing.

Challenges/Projects

What are Projects?

A 'Project' varies slightly from a Competition. The difference with a project is that, on completion, it may be turned into a charity photo book. The decision to publish a book from the images entered may be decided before or after the 'Project' has finished. The final decision will be made by the Kujaja.com team. You can join a project the same as a competition when you upload an image. Projects are also free to enter. Images will be commented on and voted on the same as a competition.

We request that images entered into a 'Project' do not show a watermark and are uploaded as high resolution as possible. This is not a strict rule, but if your image is chosen to be published in a charity photobook it saves us emailing and asking for a large watermark free image.

How do I enter a Competition or Project?

All you have to do is upload an image using the brief instructions below.

1. Click on the 'UPLOAD' tab.

2. Click 'CLICK HERE TO UPLOAD', then choose a picture from your computer's hard drive. You can also drag and drop your chosen image if you prefer.

3. When your selected image opens, draw a square over the image and position it where you like. This will be the public preview thumbnail that is show on the site; you will see this preview next to your image (top left).

4. Below your image is a list of competitions and projects. Find the one you want to join and add your image to by checking it. Remember, once you click 'SAVE CHANGES', you won't be able to change your competition/project choice, so chose carefully and get it right now. Note: All other steps listed here can be changed in ?edit? after you press 'SAVE CHANGES'.

5. Now title your image and, if you?d like, add a description in the large text box. It's always nice to read about the image, maybe some details on where it was taken? Below the text box is a box to enter tags, by doing this your image will be more easily found through the site?s 'Search' feature. It is worth adding a few tags, but it?s not required.

6. Next thing to do is add a category for the image (this won't affect your comp/project choice). Click on the category tab and a dropdown list will appear. Scroll through the list and chose the category that best represents your image and check it. If you make a mistake you can reselect.

7. If you want music to accompany your image, paste a 'YouTube' link/address into the music tab/box. This is optional.

8. Next, choose your background color. Black and white are the two choices. The default color is white. Clicking on the image after saving allows you to see it on either background. If you change your mind, go to edit and make the correction.

9. You can even add a black border around your image to make it more appealing. Choose the width of the border or leave the option blank.

10. The next thing is to decide how big you want your image to appear on the screen to others, we recommend leaving the default size of 1900 x 900 pixels.

11. If you really like the image you can choose to display it as your 'banner' on your home page (the long image at the top). Click 'yes' to the set as banner image.

12. Ok, we are nearly there! Next thing is to do is confirm if the image contains nudity? We allow nude images on the site but request you tick the 'yes' box if it does.

13. If you use Facebook, the next two options are just for you. You can choose to post the image to your Facebook album and post a link on your wall.

14. The final two options are for permission to use your image on the website and at other social media sites like Facebook, to promote Kujaja.com or one of its charity photo-books/projects. We recommend you leave these in the default setting.

15. The last thing to do is choose the location of the place you took your image. Just zoom in on the map and double click to show the position.

16. OK, you're ready to share the image. Go ahead, click on 'SAVE CHANGES'. The image will automatically be shared to the public and will be entered into the competition or project that you?ve chosen. Your name will automatically be added and so will the meta-data from your camera. Don't forget, most of the steps above are optional so don't panic if you leave a few of them blank.

Can I enter more than one competition or project at a time?

Absolutely.

Where do I find information about current and completed Competitions?

Click on the 'COMPETITIONS' tab on the top menu bar. A dropdown menu will appear with all the current and recent competitions. Click on the competition title and the homepage will open. Here you can review the competition details. Click on 'PHOTOS' to see the images entered to the comp, or click 'JOIN THIS COMPETITION' to review the competition rules.

Are there any rules I need to know about before entering a Competition or Project?

Yes. There are rules for each competition/project. Click on the desired competition page and then on 'JOIN THIS COMEPITION' to read the full set of rules.

How many images can I enter into a Competition or Project?

Each competition/project generally have an entry upload limit. These vary from competition to competition. If you click on the desired competition page and then the 'JOIN THIS COMPETITION' tab, you can find out how many images are allowed on this page.

What is a weekly 'Themed Competition'?

This competition is a unique Kujaja.com competition. It starts every Saturday and runs for 1 week. The theme of the competition changes every week. This competition is unique is because the winner of the 'Viewer's choice' award gets to choose the theme.

Please note: the photographer who chooses the new theme can enter images to it but cannot win that week?s 'Viewer's Choice' award.

What is the 'Recommended Photos' page?

This page is full of images that have been recently 'Recommended' by other site photographers. Each photographer is allowed to 'Recommend' 3 images per day.

This page is really cool and has been wildly popular.

What is the 'Popular Photos' page?

All the images that have been uploaded to the site in the past 3 days are displayed on these pages. They are displayed in order of score and then in order of upload. For example, if two photos have the same score, the last image uploaded will be displayed first.

How can I find out who won the awards for competitions?

After the competition closes the results of the competitions are shared in the Kujaja Newsletter emailed to everyone. Also if you click on the particular competition page you will see that the images entered are updated and placed in score order. There is also a special results page called 'WINNING PHOTO'. Here you will see the 'Curator?s Choice', 'Special Mentions' and 'Viewer?s Choice' awards.

Uploading Images

What format should I use when uploading?

JPEG

How many images can I upload to the website?

Unlimited uploads to your Kujaja.com profile are free. There isn't a daily limit on uploads but we would recommend that you do not upload more than 20 images within one hour.

Don't forget projects and competitions often have restrictions on uploads, so we suggest you check when you join.

Can I upload more than one image at a time?

Yes. Follow the normal upload procedure as previously described but when selecting your image select multiple images from your hard drive or drag and drop multiple images from a file/folder. This technique works fine but we would always recommend that you upload no more than three at a time and ideally one at time.

Are there any images that are not allowed to be uploaded?

Yes. We have strict rules on certain images, the following images are banned.

Images of naked or partially naked children under the age of 18.

Pornography.

Images depicting violence or animal cruelty.

Images that you have not taken (unless used for historical purposes)

Note: images containing nudity are allowed, we would kindly ask that you click the 'Contains Nudity' on the upload page.

Any images uploaded containing the above will be removed. Repeat offenders will be closed down.

Can my images contain a watermark or signature?

Yes. Watermarks or signatures are often added to images to help preserve the copyright for the photographer so, of course you can add one. We would, however, recommend that they are small and inconspicuous as sometimes large ones can detract from the image itself. If you are lucky enough to be selected to be published in a Kujaja.com Charity Book we would request the image is uploaded or emailed to us without them.

Can I edit my image after I have uploaded it?

Yes. Nearly everything you did when you uploaded your image you can change afterward posting (background color, title, description, or maybe you forgot to enter it to a competition or project when you originally uploaded it or perhaps the music you added isn't right).

Click on the image, just below the picture there is the ?EDIT? tab. Click this and a menu similar to the upload menu will appear. Here you can make your changes, save it and then re-review.

There are two things you can't edit after the initial upload:

Changing the competition or project. Your first choice will always remain. If you want to change competition or project you will have to upload another copy of the image.

Changing the size your image is displayed on the website.

Can I add music to my photos?

Yes. When you initially upload an image you can paste a YouTube link/url into the appropriate box.

If you want to edit the music you?ve included with your image (change/remove/add) you can do it at any time. Just open the image and click the 'EDIT' tab.

We strongly recommend that you chose your music selection prior to the image upload and have your link/URL ready to paste.

Can I change the background color that my image is displayed on?

Yes. When you upload your image you can chose between a white or black background. White is the default setting.

The appearance of your image can change considerably with a black background. If, however, you are unsure, just leave it white because you can change this later. Once the image has been successfully uploaded you can review it on both background colors. Just click on the image and the background will change from black to white or white to black. Decide which looks best and then click the 'EDIT' button to the right hand side just below your image and select the color you want displayed with your image. Click save and you?re done.

How do I delete a photo?

Click on the small arrow next to your profile image and open the 'ORGANIZER'. You will see tabs on the left. The default tab will be your Library. Find the picture you want to delete and hit the 'Remove' button. You will then be asked if you are sure you want to delete the image permanently. If you do, press 'OK'. Once you confirm and press 'OK' the image will be removed forever.

If, however, you just want to remove the image from the viewing public, click the 'PROFILE' tab and then click ?remove? on the image. You will notice the image disappears instantly from your profile, but it will still be in your library (your profile is what the public see). If you want to move it back into your profile, just open the library up, find the image, drag the image over to the profile tab and drop it in.

Photo Votes/Recommended/Favorites

How do I like, favorite, recommend, or vote for a photo I like?

Click on the image. Beneath it is the EXIF data along with the like/vote, add to favorites, and recommend (3/day) radio buttons. Click each of those you?d like to apply to the image. The selection has been activated when the radio button turns white.

Can I review the images I have previously 'fav'd'?

Yes. Click on the small triangle next to your profile image (top right hand corner of every page) and then click on the 'FAVORITES' tab and all the images that you have added to your favorites will be displayed.

How do I comment on someone's image?

This is easy. Below the image and all the buttons there is any empty box, Just click on the box and type in the message you want to leave, and then press 'WRITE A COMMENT'.

Can I delete a comment I've made?

Yes. Click on the small box to the right of your comment.

Can I translate a comment?

Yes. Click the small green 'Translate? link under the comment.

How do I reply to a comment someone posted to my photo?

Below the comment someone left, click 'REPLY'. Then click on the writing box and write your message. Once you have written your message click on 'REPLY' again and the message will be sent.

Can I comment on my own photo?

Yes. Open the image. In the white dialogue box below the image EXIF information, type your comment and click ?Write a Comment? under the box.

Can I 'like' a comment?

Yes. Under each comment is a small green ?Like this comment? link. Click this and the person who made the comment will be notified that you liked it.

Where can I see the views, favorites, and votes posted to my photos?

Click on the page your image is displayed on. Beneath your image it is the EXIF data along with the views, favorites, and votes the image has received.

I recommended an image but it is not shown on the 'Recommended Photos' page.

This is because someone else has beaten you to it and already recommended that particular image. But the recommendation will still count for the photographer and you will have used up one of your daily quota of 3. The important thing is the photographer who uploaded the image will be notified of your recommendation.

Why can't I see the photographer's name when I view an image?

If an image has been entered into a competition or project, the photographer?s name will not be shown. However the name will appear once you vote and the page is refreshed. We want the viewers to vote for the image, not the photographer.

If the image is entered into the weekly ?Theme' competition, the name and any text written by the photographer will be hidden until the competition has closed. Any comments made by the viewer will also be hidden after they are made; these will appear after the competition closes.

Member Interaction

What happens if I follow a member?

When you follow another photographer you will be notified when they upload a new image and when they recommend any images. These notifications will be via email or through the comment icon on the top left of the screen.

Note: To manage your notifications, click on the down arrow next to your profile thumbnail and select MY ACCOUNT/Notifications.

Can I see who I follow and who follows me?

Yes. On your home page there are two tabs 'FOLLOWING' and 'FOLLOWERS', click on these to review your following status.

How do I locate a Kujaja member/user?

Using the search box in the upper right corner, type the member?s last name. A list will be displayed in a dropdown menu. Click on the member?s name to be taken to their homepage.

How do I know if someone has posted a message on my photo?

Opening the page your image is on will show the comments, but a cool way to see what is happening with your images is to click on the 'comment' icon.

The 'comment' icon is located next to 'UPLOAD' on the menu bar on every page. It looks like a cartoon text bubble. Click on it and a dropdown list will appear. Here you can see who voted, fav?d, recommended, or commented on your image. Clicking on the underlined text will redirected you to the image or to the person's profile who voted/commented on your image.

Note: If your 'comment' icon is highlighted in red, it means you have new comments/votes. Once you click on the red icon it will return to grey until new information is added.

How do I use the 'bubble icon' next to the 'UPLOAD' tab in the menu bar?

It is the 'Comment' icon. Click on it and a dropdown list will appear. Here you can see who voted, fav?d, recommended, commented on your image. Clicking on the underlined text will redirected you to the image or to the person's profile who voted/commented on your image.

Note: if your 'comment' icon is highlighted in red, it means you have new comments/votes, once you click on the red icon it will return to grey until new information is added.

Can I write to another photographer other than posting a comment to their photo?

Yes. Click on the photographer?s profile icon/avatar. This will open their homepage. Click on the 'COMMENT' tab, write your message, and then click 'WRITE MESSAGE'.

Note: These comments are not private. Other members can read comments posted to your page.

What is the 'TALK' page?

This page is a public discussion page where any members can write to the community as a whole or to the Kujaja.com team.

Can I share Kujaja.com photography on social media sites?

Yes. There are multiple social media links which can be found on most pages. If you are a member of one of these groups please share what you love with them.

Mail/Notifications

What do I do if haven't received any Kujaja.com email Newsletters?

Click on the small triangle next to your profile image (top right hand corner of every page) and then click on the 'MY ACCOUNT' tab. You will see all the details you submitted when you joined. Check to make sure the email address you entered is current and correct. If you still do not receive the Kujaja Newsletter, email us at support@kujaja.com.

Can I change my mail/notification filters?

Yes. Click down arrow next to your profile thumbnail. Choose Account Settings/Notifications. Check/uncheck according to your preferences and save.

Personal Settings

How do I create or change my profile thumbnail/avatar?

Create an image on your computer that you want to use, ideally save it as a square 300x300pixel image.

Click on the small triangle at the top right hand side of the page and open 'MY ACCOUNT' page. On the right hand side of the page you will see two 'profile photo' spaces. Use the top one for your public profile image. Click on the 'Choose file' tab and select the previously created square image which you saved on your hard drive. Double click the image on your hard drive and it will be copied over and will become the image everyone at kujaja.com will see.

The lower image can be left blank if you wish. This is a secondary image which could be used in a Kujaja.com Charity Book if one of your images is selected and the layout of the book calls for an image of the photographer.

Note: Your image may not upload immediately. Please be patient.

Can I change my username or password?

The original username that you entered when you joined must remain.

If you forget your password please press the 'forgotten password' and we will send you a new one or email support@kujaja.com.

Can I change the order in which my images are displayed in my profile?

Yes. Click on the small triangle next to your profile image at the top right hand side of a page. Click and open the 'ORGANIZER'. Click on the 'PROFILE' tab. The images on the right are all the images visible to the public in the order they are displayed. To change the order just grab and drop images into the new positions.

Note: each profile page can display 20 images.

Can I create categories/groups for my photos?

Yes. We call them 'sets'.

Click on the small triangle next to your profile image at the top right hand side of a page. Click and open the 'ORGANIZER'. Click on the 'PROFILE' tab. The images on the right are all the images visible to the public. Type in the title of the set/group/category (as an example: Black & White) and click 'Add set to profile'. You will see that your set has been created and is shown under the 'PROFILE' tab on the left. To add images to the 'Set' just grab and drop them onto the 'Set' name.

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